Connector device for a cable apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for measuring a health condition and connectable to existing medical devices. In one embodiment, apparatus may include a cable apparatus. The cable apparatus may include a plurality of conductors enclosed within an exterior covering and may include a plurality of mating devices; the plurality of mating devices located along a length of the cable. Each mating device may be coupled to a conductor of the cable. Cable apparatus may further include a connector device, the connector device coupled to an end of the cable and configured to couple the cable apparatus with a recording/monitoring device by coupling with an existing set of leads associated with the recording/monitoring device. Connector device may allow quick attachment and detachment of the cable apparatus.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/895,841, filed Sep. 4, 2019. SaidU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/895,841, filed Sep. 4, 2019, ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of medical healthapplications and more particularly to a connector device for a cableapparatus connectable to medical devices.

BACKGROUND

Medical health monitoring is employed in order to evaluate and determinea health condition. One form of medical health monitoring iselectrocardiography. Electrocardiography refers to a method of recordingelectrical impulses from a heart. A device which performselectrocardiography is an electrocardiograph, also known as an ECG, EKG,ECG device, EKG machine and the like (hereinafter referred as EKG). AnEKG may receive the electrical signals representative of electricalimpulses from a heart through a set of leads connected to a plurality ofelectrode pads that may be placed upon skin in various locations on abody of a patient. Electrocardiography may be employed to measure anddiagnose abnormal rhythms of the heart and potential damage toconductive tissue of the heart which carries electrical signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood bythose skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts a conventional set of leads coupled to an EKG machine;

FIG. 2 depicts a cable apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a cable apparatus coupled with a set of leads of an EKGmachine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts multiple cables coupled with a set of leads of an EKGmachine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a detailed view of a cable apparatus in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts a detailed view of a mating device configured forcoupling to multiple types of electrode pads in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed view of a cable apparatus in accordance withan alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts a detailed view of a mating device in accordance with analternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts another detailed view of a mating device in accordancewith an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts an interior view of a mating device in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts an interior view of a mating device with a cable inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B depicts an interior view of a mating device withnotches for coupling with particular conductors of a cable in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 depicts a detailed view of a cable in accordance with anadditional embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 depicts a dispenser for storage of a cable in accordance with anadditional embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict exploded views of a cable with mating devicesin accordance with another additional embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C depict exploded views of mating devicesassociated with a cable in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 depicts a cable apparatus and connector devices for couplingwith various medical devices in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of a connector device in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 depicts an integrated cable apparatus and connector devices forcoupling with various medical devices in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 depicts an exploded view of a cable apparatus and connectordevice in accordance with an another embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 21A and 21B depict views of a cable apparatus and connector devicein accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 depicts a view of a connector device and multiple cables inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 depicts a view of a connector device and multiple cables inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 depicts an exploded view of a connector device in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 depicts a cable apparatus and connector device included within aself-contained package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26 depicts a cable apparatus and connector device included within aself-contained package with the cable apparatus extended out of thepackage in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 27A and 27B depict a cable apparatus and connector device includedwithin a self-contained package in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 28 depicts multiple connector devices suitable for operation with autilized cable in accordance with another embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 29 depicts a cable apparatus including one or more mating devicesalong with a connector device in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 30 depicts a cable apparatus including mating devices in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 31A and 31B depict detailed views of one or more mating devices inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 depicts a bottom view of one or more mating devices inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33A depicts a detailed view of a mating device with a femalereceptacle in a closed position in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 33B depicts a detailed view of a mating device with a femalereceptacle in an open position in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 34A through 34E depicts a mating device and an electrode inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35A through 35E depicts a mating device and an electrode inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 36A and 36B depict a connector device in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 depicts a cable apparatus include mating devices connected todifferent types of electrodes in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 38A depicts a top down view of a mating device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38B depicts a rear view of a mating device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38C depicts a top-rear view of the mating device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38D depicts a side view of the mating device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 depicts a plurality of connector devices which are connected inseries where one of the connector devices is connected to a cable inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 40 depicts an exemplary usage of connector devices connected inseries whereby one connector device is connected to a cable whileallowing a simultaneous connection to four machines, including an EKGmachine in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed,which is illustrated in the accompanying figures.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a conventional set of leads 110 coupled to an EKGmachine 120 is shown. Set of leads 110 are coupled to electrode padswhich are adhesively connected to skin of a patient. The use of set ofleads 110 is accompanied by a number of problems. Set of leads 110 areplaced upon the body of the patient and may come into contact with apatient's fluids. Consequently, there is a risk of spread of infectionand disease through re-use of set of leads 110 with another patient.Another set of leads 130 may also be utilized to connect to a monitordevice 140. Disinfection techniques for the set of leads 110, 130 arelimited in their effectiveness and are costly.

Set of leads 110 includes a number of wires, for example from five totwelve wires. When set of leads 110 is stored, it is common that thewires may become tangled. When set of leads 110 is needed for an EKGtest, the wires must be detangled to allow connection with electrodepads and execution of the EKG test. Electrode pads (also known aselectrodes) may produce an electrical contact with a nonmetallic part ofa circuit, such as skin of a patient. Operating personnel may appearawkward and incompetent trying to find the corresponding wires todetangle and connect to electrode pads on a patient's torso andextremities, creating unnecessary patient apprehension and loss of timein an emergency situation.

Additionally, set of leads 110 may be heavy. When patients move whileset of leads 110 is connected to electrode pads on their bodies, tensionand torque is placed on electrode pads. This can result in displacementof the pads from the patient which may be adhesively fixed to skin ofthe patient, but may lose contact with the patient if a force is appliedto the electrode pad from movement by set of leads 110. This results ina loss of signal requiring repeated adjustments and application of newadhesive electrode pads.

Cable Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 2 , a cable apparatus 200 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Cable apparatus 200 mayinclude a cable 210. Cable 210 may include a plurality of conductors,the conductors being isolated and insulated from each other. Cable 210may include an exterior covering which enclose the plurality ofconductors. Exterior covering may include a non-conductive coating asapplied within a printed circuit. Exterior covering may be a fabric,rubber, plastic and other similar non-conductive materials.Advantageously, cable 210 may be produced with soft, flexible materialswhich may not become tangled as occurs with a conventional set of leads.Also, cable 210 may be lighter than conventional set of leads and thusmore comfortable for a patient.

Cable 210 may include a plurality of mating devices. The plurality ofmating devices may be located along a length of cable 210 to correspondto various locations on a body. It is contemplated that a distancebetween each mating device is based upon typical attachment to variouslocations on a torso of a patient. However, a cable 210 may be producedsuitable for a child whereby the distance between each mating device maybe reduced to a distance between each mating device for a cable suitablefor an adult. Each mating device of the plurality of mating devices maybe coupled to a conductor of the cable 210 via a physical electricalconnection via various types of conducting devices. Each mating devicemay be configured to couple with an electrode pad causing an electricalconnection between a conductor and the electrode pad. In an embodiment,each mating device may include an identifier, such as a particular iconor color, to identify its proper location on a body. For example, a redmating device may be placed on a right shoulder area of a patient whilea blue mating device may be placed on a left shoulder area of a patient.In one embodiment, mating devices may be color coded in accordance withAHA and IHA standards.

Cable 210, through mating devices coupled to electrode pads, may beattached to the body in a number of locations, such as from a leftshoulder and travels down to the left hip (Lower Abdomen), travels tothe left side of chest, across the chest and travels up to the rightside of the sternum, attaches to the right shoulder and travels down andfinally attaches to the right hip (lower abdomen). Cable 210 may beattached to an EKG machine 220 in a safe distance away from the patient.Cable 210 may also be attached to a monitor device 230. Monitor device230 may be any type of health monitoring device, including real timemonitor device. Monitor device 230 may be a heart rate monitor, scope,blood pressure monitor and the like. Advantageously, cable 210 and itsassociated connections may be employed for use with EKG machine 220 andmonitor device 230 without requiring multiple cables and multipleelectrode pads connected to a patient. Cable 210 may be operable forvariety of types of EKG machines, including 3-12 lead EKG machines.Additionally, cable 210 may include a connector device at each end toallow coupling to EKG machine 220 or monitor 230 without requiringreplacement of the electrode pads, with both the EKG machine 220 and themonitor 230 being operable simultaneously via the same single cable 210.As cable 210 may be formed of flexible material, there is minimal torqueplaced on the electrode pads and thus replacement of electrode pads isreduced in comparison with use of a conventional set of leads as shownin FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , cable apparatus 300 coupled with set of leads 350of an EKG machine 360 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown. Cable apparatus 300 may include a cable 210 whichincludes a plurality of mating devices 320-328 located along a pluralityof positions along the length of cable 210 from a first end of the cableto a second end of the cable, in various spacing between the matingdevices, which can correspond to various positions of a chest of a user.For example, mating devices configured to be coupling with an areaaround the heart may be closely spaced together while there is morespace between the mating devices between the lower abdomen and shoulderareas. Cable apparatus 300 may further include at least one connectordevice 340. Connector device 340 may be coupled to an end of cable 210,or both ends of a cable 210, and may connect cable 210 with a set ofleads 350 from an EKG machine 360. As shown in FIG. 3 , cable 210 mayinclude five mating devices which may be suitable for a five lead EKGmachine 360. While cable 210 includes five mating devices, it iscontemplated that any number of mating devices may be included withcable 210 without departing from the scope and intent of the presentdisclosure.

Connector device 340 may be any type of universal connector device, oradapter for coupling cable 210 and its associated conductors with set ofleads 350 or any type of set of leads coupled to a monitor 230 as shownin FIG. 2 . Set of leads 350 may include alligator clips, male plugs,and may include female receptacles of snap connectors along with variousadditional connectors. Connector device 340 may couple to the alligatorclips or female receptacles of the snap connectors associated with a setof leads 350 attached to an electrocardiograph 360. This may form acable extension coupled from the set of leads 350 which may be utilizedto connect to the patient. This may be advantageous as set of leads 350may not be in proximity with the patient. As cable 210 may bemanufactured in a cost-efficient manner, it is contemplated that cable210 may be utilized for a single patient then disposed, preventing therisk of transmission of disease or infection.

In one embodiment, connector device 340 may include a cable connector,such as a telephone jack. Cable connector of connector device 340 may beconfigured to couple with a corresponding cable connector. Cableconnector may be a telephone jack whereby a corresponding cableconnector may include a telephone plug. While connector device 340 mayinclude a telephone jack, it is contemplated that connector device 340may be any type of device or devices for connecting a set of leads 350from an electrocardiograph or monitor and the plurality of conductors ofa cable 210.

Connector device 340 may be further configured to couple with set ofleads 350 from the electrocardiograph 360 or set of leads from a monitordevice. For example, connector device 340 may include a plate with aplurality of male groove portions of snap connector. Female receptaclesof snap connectors of set of leads 350 may couple with male grooveportions of snap connector. Connector device 340 may be operable withany type of set of leads from any type of EKG machine or medicalmonitoring device allowing cable 210 to be operable with any type ofmedical equipment and is not dependent upon the manufacturer and modeltype. Connector device 340, and various alternative embodiments ofconnector device 340, are shown and further described in FIGS. 18-28 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , multiple EKG cables coupled with a set of leads350 of an EKG machine 360 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure are shown. Similar to cable apparatus 300 as shown inFIG. 3 , cable 210 may be coupled with set of leads 350 of an EKGmachine 360. In one embodiment, cable 210 may include another connectordevice 340 which couples to set of leads 350 from a monitor 370. It iscontemplated that cable 210 including mating devices 320-328 may beutilized in combination with a cable 410 including mating devices420-428. Cable 410 may be coupled to set of leads 350 from an EKGmachine 360 via a connector device 440. It is contemplated that cable410, mating devices 420-428 and connector device 440 may be similar indesign and operation as cable 210, mating devices 320-328 and connectordevice 340. The use of cables 210, 410 may be combined to connect withelectrode pads and allow use of a ten lead EKG machine. The use of twocables may be advantageous as cable 210 may be utilized by emergencypersonnel from an ambulance which may utilize a five lead EKG machineand may leave the cable 210 attached to the patient whereby an hospitalEKG machine could add cable 410 to provide a ten lead EKG test.Additionally, cable 210 may be coupled to a monitor 370 which allowsmonitoring of health information, including heart characteristics suchas heart rate, blood pressure and the like. It is contemplated thatelectrode pads may require slight movement on the body of a patientwhile be utilized for a EKG test and health monitoring but may beaccomplished without use of multiple cables from each of the EKG machine360 and monitor 370.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a detailed view of a cable apparatus 500 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Cableapparatus 500 may include a cable 510 with a plurality of conductorsenclosed within an exterior covering. Cable 510 may include sixconductors whereby five conductors may be employed for a five lead EKGmachine; however, three conductors or more may also be employed formonitoring. Cable 510 may be any type of cable with a plurality ofconductors within the cable, such as a telephone cable, ethernet cableand the like. Cable 510 may include a connector device 515. Connectordevice 515 may couple cable 510 and each of its plurality of conductorswith a set of leads from an electrocardiograph. In one embodiment,connector device 515 may be any type of connector device, and may be atelephone plug or ethernet plug. For example, connector device may be aplug-in compliance with registered jack 25, also known as RJ25. Whilecable 510 includes a single connector device 515, it is contemplatedthat an additional connector device 515 may be included on another endof cable 510 without departing from the scope and intent of the presentdisclosure.

Cable 510 may include a plurality of mating devices. Each mating device520 may include a female receptacle 530 of a snap connector with a zeroinsertion force mechanism to enhance patient comfort when applying themating devices. Female receptacle 530 may be configured to connect witha corresponding male groove 540 coupled with an electrode pad 550. It iscontemplated that size of female receptacle may be similar as a size offemale receptacles for an existing set of leads for anelectrocardiograph whereby it will be operable with existing male grooveportions of snap connector coupled to an electrode pad. Mating devicesof cable 510 may further include an alligator clip 560, which also has azero insertion force mechanism, suitable for coupling with an electrodepad 570. An alligator clip, also known as a spring clip or crocodileclip, may refer to an electrical connector. An alligator clip mayinclude two jaws which may be mechanically forced together, when notseparated by an opposing force, causing an electrical connection with anobject coupled between the two jaws. Alligator clip may include bindingclips, clamps and the like.

FIG. 6 depicts a detailed view of a mating device 520 configured forcoupling to multiple types of electrodes in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that cable 510as shown in FIG. 5 may be employed with a variety of EKG machines andmay also be employed with other applications. Mating device 520including a female receptacle 530 of a snap connector may be operablewith electrode pad 550 with male groove portion of a snap connector 540.Additionally, mating device 520 may also be operable with electrode pad570 which are configured to receive a connection via an alligator clip560. By providing additional flexibility, cable 510 may be operable in avariety of applications and uses, including EKG monitoring, heart ratetesting, blood pressure testing and the like. While the alligator clip560 is placed along a parallel axis as the female receptacle 530, it iscontemplated that alligator clip 560 may be oriented in other directionsand placed in other locations on the mating device 520 without departingfrom the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a detailed view of a cable apparatus 700 inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure isshown. Cable apparatus 700 may include a cable 710 with a plurality ofconductors enclosed within an exterior covering. Cable 710 may include aplurality of conductors, such as five conductors which may be employedfor a five lead EKG machine. Cable 710 may be telephone cable, ethernetcable and the like. Cable 710 may include a connector device 715.Connector device 715 may couple cable 710 and each of its plurality ofconductors with a set of leads from an electrocardiograph. In oneembodiment, connector device 715 may include a cable connector, thecable connector may be a telephone plug or ethernet plug. For example,connector device 715 may be a plug-in compliance with registered jack25, also known as RJ25. While cable 710 includes a single connectordevice 715, it is contemplated that an additional connector device 715may be included on another end of cable 710 without departing from thescope and intent of the present disclosure. Cable 710 may include aplurality of mating devices. Each mating device 720 may include a femalereceptacle of a snap connector suitable for coupling with a male grooveportion of a snap connector 730 connected to an electrode pad 740.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11 , a detailed view of a mating device 720 inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure isshown. Mating device 720 may include a female receptacle 810 of a snapconnector. Female receptacle 810 of a snap connector may be configuredto connect with male groove portion of snap connector 730, the malegroove portion of snap connector 730 being coupled to electrode pad 740.

Additionally, mating device 720 may include an alligator clip 820.Alligator clip 820 may allow connection with electrode pads which do notinclude a male groove portion of a snap connector or include a malegroove portion of a snap connector of a different size than the size offemale receptacle 810. While the alligator clip 820 is placed along aside of mating device 720, it is contemplated that alligator clip 820may be oriented in other directions and placed in other locations on themating device 720, such as on a top side of mating device 720, withoutdeparting from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11 , an interior view of a mating device 720 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Plate1000 may be coupled with female receptacle 810. One or more notches 1010may be coupled with plate 1000. One or more notches may be configured tobe coupled with a conductor of cable 710. In one embodiment, plate 1000and one or more notches 1010 may be formed as an integrated assembly.Through plate 1000, an electrical connection may be provided from anelectrode pad, to the female receptacle 810 of mating device 720, toplate 1000, to one or more notches 1010 and to a conductor of cable 710.One or more notches 1010 may include a tapered edge which may beconfigured for piercing an exterior covering of a cable 710 to contact aconductor and ensure an electrical connection between a conductor andone or more notches 1010. Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an interiorside view of a mating device 720 with one or more notches 1010 forcoupling with particular conductors of a cable 710 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure is shown. It is contemplated thatthe location of one or more notches 1010 on plate 1000 may be adjustedto connect with a corresponding conductor of cable 710. For example,cable 710 may include conductors 1210, 1212, 1214, 1216 and 1218. Asshown in FIG. 12A, one or more notches 1010 may be placed in a locationsuitable for connecting with conductor 1210. In FIG. 12B, one or morenotches 1010 may be placed in a location suitable for connecting withconductor 1218. It is contemplated that plate 1000 with integrated oneor more notches 1010 may be identified whereby the identification mayindicate the particular conductor in which the mating device isdesignated to connect. As previously described, mating devices mayinclude a visible identification for proper placement upon a patient.For example, a red mating device may be designated for placement upon aright shoulder area of a patient. A red plate may be utilized with a redmating device suitable for the right shoulder area of a patient.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a detailed view of cable 1300 in accordance withan additional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Cable 1300may include a plurality of conductors 1310-1318 enclosed within anexterior covering. Cable 1300 may include mating device 1320, 1322.Mating device 1320, 1322 couple a conductor to an electrode pad which iscoupled to skin of a patient. Mating device 1320, 1322 may includeelectrode pads which may be connected to the exterior covering of cable1300. Electrode pads 1320, 1322 may include conductive gel and mayinclude an adhesive for attaching to skin of a patient. It iscontemplated that cable 1300 may be ribbon cable whereby the exteriorcover is composed of rubber, a flexible plastic and the like. It iscontemplated that exterior cover of cable 1300 may be composed ofplastic, paper, paper products and the like. A removable cover 1330 maybe employed with cable 1300. This may be advantageous to ensure theelectrode pads connected to the exterior covering may adhere to skin ofa patient. In one embodiment, removable cover 1330 may only be placed tocover each electrode pad prior to use. Use of cable 1300 by healthcarepersonnel may be advantageous as cable 1300 may be dispensed andattached to a patient in a quick and efficient manner. Cable 1300 may beextremely flexible and thin with the exterior covering composed of anonconductive material that contains conductors along its length. Cable1300 may be radiolucent.

A terminal portion of cable 1300 may be coupled to an EKG machine,monitoring device, and similar devices for processing of signals, suchas viewing on a monitor or on a printout of electrocardiogram signals.Cable 1300 may include connector devices (not shown in FIG. 13 ) forcoupling cable 1300 and its associated conductors with set of leads froman EKG machine and monitor. Cable 1300 may be employed in nerveconduction studies or Electromyogram (EMG). It can also be manufacturedfor muscle/nerve stimulation. It is contemplated that cable 1300 may beutilized whenever there is a need to either capture electrical impulsesfrom the body or deliver electrical impulses to the body via the skinelectrode pads.

Referring to FIG. 14 , a dispenser 1400 for storage of cable 1300 inaccordance with an additional embodiment of the present disclosure isshown. As cable 1300 may be flexible and substantially flat, it iscontemplated that cable 1300 may be rolled and stored within an interiorportion of dispenser 1400. It is contemplated that a plurality of cablesmay be stored within dispenser 1400. This may be advantageous as it mayallow storage and an organized way to apply a flexible cable 1300. Atthe location between adjacent cables, a perforated edge may allowremoval of a cable 1300 from dispenser 1400.

In one embodiment, dispenser 1400 may include male groove portions ofsnap connectors 1410-1418. Male groove portions of snap connectors1410-1418 may be coupled to individual conductors of cable 1300. Malegroove portions of snap connectors 1410-1418 may be configured toconnect to female receptacles of snap connectors of an existing set ofleads for an electrocardiograph or monitor.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, exploded views of cable 1500 with matingdevices in accordance with another additional embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown. Cable 1500 may include a plurality of conductorswhich are formed through printed conductive traces on a flexible and nonconductive substrate, such as paper, plastic, foam, rubber and the like.Cable 1500 may employ flexible circuit technology which allowsdeposition of conductors on a substrate similar to a printed circuitboard whereby the substrate may be a thin, flexible material, such asplastic, paper, rubber, foam and the like. Cable 1500 may include anexterior covering which is a non conductive coating but may also includeother types of exterior coverings. In one embodiment, mating device forcable 1500 may include a conductive base which may be configured tooperate with a double-sided electrode pad whereby the cable 1500 and itsmating device would couple to the double-sided electrode pad.Double-sided electrode pad may include a first pad, a second pad and aconductive plate between the first pad and second pad. The first pad andthe second pad may include adhesive and conductive gel. A double-sidedelectrode pad may adhere to skin of a patient and a mating device ofcable 1500. This may be advantageous a defective or non-stickingdouble-sided electrode pads may be easily replaced and cable 1500 maystill be operable. Connector devices for connecting conductors of cable1500 (not shown) may be configured to connect directly to an EKGmachine, monitor, or may be configured to connect to a set of leads ofan EKG machine or health monitoring device.

While cables have been described as telephone cable, ethernet cable andribbon cable, it is contemplated that any type of cable utilizing anynumber of conductors may be employed without departing from the scopeand intent of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that cable mayinclude shielding, isolation and insulation for each conductor within anonconductive exterior covering, including an exterior coating, of thecable. Cable may include one or more clips to allow attachment to agurney, bed or the patient's clothing. Cable may further include anexterior coating which is light reflective and may glow in the dark toallow viewing my medical personnel in low light conditions. While cablemay be formed of a flexible material, it is contemplated that cable maybe latex free to prevent any undesirable reactions by those patients whomay be allergic to latex products. Cable may be radiolucent. As aresult, a cable may remain on when a patient is receiving an x-ray orsimilar image whereby presence of the cable may not distort the image.

While various types of connector devices, mating devices and cables havebeen shown in various examples of cable apparatus, it is contemplatedthat each example of connector devices, mating devices, and cables maybe employed with other types and combinations of other connectordevices, mating devices and cables. For example, a cable may includemating device 520 with other mating devices similar to mating device720. Additionally, connector device 515 may be one type of connectordevice and cable 510 may include another type of connector devicesuitable for connecting with a set of leads for a monitor. Additionally,a mating device 520, 720 may be employed with cable 1300 which mayinclude at least ten conductors. It should be understood also thatvarious types of male/female connecting devices may be correspondinglyswapped without departing from the scope and intent of the presentdisclosure. The various combination and sub-combination of elements maybe combined, sub-combined and separated as desired for each application.Furthermore, cable may be employed for coupling directly with an EKGmachine, another type of health monitoring device, or with a set ofleads connected to an EKG machine and health monitoring device; cablesmay also be employed with other types of devices. Furthermore, it iscontemplated the connector devices may be integrated within the cableitself and not necessarily require a separate device. Advantageously,cable may be produced in an efficient and low cost fashion which mayallow disposal of the cable after a single use and may prevent thetransmission of disease and infection as possible with re-use of aconventional set of leads of an EKG machine. In an alternativeembodiment, cable may be produced for multiple uses and may be gassterilizable.

Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C, exploded views of mating devicesassociated with a cable in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure are shown. In FIGS. 16A and 16 B, mating device 1605 mayinclude a removable cover 1610. When mating device 1605 is in use,removable cover 1610 may be placed in a stored position and matingdevice 1605 may be coupled with an electrode pad. However, when matingdevice 1605 is not is use, removable cover 1610 may be placed on aconnecting portion of the mating device, such as on the femalereceptacle of the snap connector. Advantageously, this may preventinterference and may protect mating device 1605. This may beparticularly useful in situations where there may be a ten-conductorcable and only five conductors are currently in use, thus the matingdevices associated with the non-used mating devices may includeremovable covers in the covered position. It is contemplated that theremovable cover 1610 may be formed of silicone and other non-conductingmaterials. Other types of removable covers may also be utilized with themating devices without departing from the scope and intent of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16C, mating device 1605 may include a clasp mechanism1620 to provide a zero insertion force mechanism with the snapconnector. Clasp mechanism may be a mechanical clasp which, for example,its tabs 1622, 1624 are pressed inward towards mating device 1605,causes an internal pin 1626 to retract from the female receptacle. Whenthe mating device is placed on a male plug of electrode pad 1630 andreleased, internal pin may be extended and may secure the mating device1605 to the electrode pad 1630. In such a fashion, mating device 1605may be connected with an electrode pad 1630 without providing any forceupon the electrode pad 1630. This may be particularly useful insituations where a patient may have a blunt force injury to the torsocausing pain to the patient. By allowing the mating device to beconnected to the electrode pad without any force applied to theelectrode pad, a patient may be spared from additional pain. While FIG.16C discloses one type of clasp mechanism for providing a zero insertionforce snap connector, various types of zero insertion force mechanismsmay be utilized without departing from the scope and intent of thepresent disclosure.

Connector Device

Referring to FIG. 17 , a cable apparatus and connector devices forcoupling with various medical devices in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure are shown. For example, cable 1710 including aplurality of mating devices may be placed on an individual. Connectordevices 1720, 1730 may allow connection of the cable 1710 to an EKGmachine or monitor, respectively. Connector devices 1720, 1730 mayconnect with a plurality of male plugs from a set of leads by aplurality of jacks or other suitable devices for receiving plugs.Connector devices may further include connectors 1740, 1750 which allowquick attachment with a corresponding connector connected at each end ofcable 1710. Advantageously, connector devices 1720, 1730 may allow quickattachment and detachment to various medical devices without arequirement of replacement of cable 1710.

Referring to FIG. 18 , an exploded view of a connector device 1810 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.Connector device 1810 may be representative of connector devices 1720,1730 as shown in FIG. 17 . Connector device 1810 may include a pluralityof jacks for receiving plugs associated with a set of leads from an EKGmachine or medical monitoring device. Connector device 1810 may furtherinclude labels and color codes associated with each jack to ensure eachlead of a set of leads is properly connected with connector device 1810.Connector device 1810 may further include a connector 1820. Connector1820 may be a telephone jack, Ethernet jack, or other types of jacks forreceiving a corresponding plug which may be coupled with an end of acable. While connector device 1810 includes a plurality of jacks, itcould also include a plurality of male plugs for receiving femalereceptacles of snap connectors. Connector device 1810 may also include aplurality of posts suitable for connecting with alligator clipsconnected with a set of leads. It is contemplated that other types ofconnections could also be employed for coupling with a cable including aplurality of mating devices without departing from the scope and intentof the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 19 , an integrated cable apparatus and connectordevices for coupling with various medical devices in accordance with analternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In oneembodiment, a first connector device 1910, a cable 1920 with a pluralityof mating devices and a second connector device 1930 may be formed as asingle integrated unit. As such, first connector device 1910 or secondconnector device 1930 may directly couple to a set of leads associatedwith an EKG machine or other type of medical monitoring device. In FIG.20 , an integrated cable apparatus and a single connector device forcoupling with various medical devices in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Connector device 2010 maybe fixedly coupled with cable 2020. On another end of cable 2020, aconnector 2030 may be coupled with cable 2020 to allow attachment toanother connector device (not shown) and then ultimately coupled toanother medical device if desired.

FIGS. 21A and 21B depict views of a cable apparatus and connector devicein accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. InFIG. 21A, connector device 2110 may be configured to be coupled withcable 2120. Connector device 2110 may include additional ports 2130,2132. Additional ports may allow attachment to various other medicaldevices, other cables and the like. Cable 2120 may be a length andconfigured for placement upon a patient to allow ending of the cable inproximity to the top right shoulder area of the patient. In FIG. 21B,connector device 210 may be connected with cable 2120. Cable 2120 may beconfigured to be a shortest length as possible. Cable 2120 may beconfigured for a “N” style placement and an end of cable 2120 be lowerright abdomen area.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23 , a view of a connector device and multiplecables in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure isshown. Connector device 2210 may include two sets of five jacks forreceiving a set of leads from one or multiple medical monitoringdevices. Connector device 2210 may also include two connectors or outputports which are configured to be connected with cables. For example,connectors or output ports 2230, 2232 may be configured to be coupledwith cable 2240, 2242 respectively. It is contemplated that connectordevice 2210 may be operable for a five-lead cable and may be suitablefor a monitoring operation. However, an additional cable may be added toprovide ten total points of observation on a patient suitable for an EKGtest.

Referring to FIG. 24 , an exploded view of a connector device 2410 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.Connector device 2410 may be configured to be coupled with various typesof connectors associated with a set of leads from an EKG machine ormedical monitoring device, including plugs, alligator clips and thelike. While not shown, connector device 2410 may further include maleplugs configured to be coupled with a set of female snap receptaclesassociated with a set of leads for an EKG machine or medical monitoringdevice. Connector device may also include one or more posts 2415 whichmay be more suitable for connecting with alligator clips associated witha set of leads.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, connector device 2410 mayinclude a wireless transceiver. Wireless transceiver may transmit andreceive electrical signals measured by mating devices associated with acable coupled to connector device 2410. It is contemplated that medicalmonitoring devices such as EKG devices may also include wirelessreceivers whereby the electrical signals measured by mating devices ofcable may be transmitted by a wireless transceiver associated withconnector device 2410 to another wireless transceiver associated with amedical monitoring device. In one embodiment of the disclosure, wirelesstransceiver may be a BLUETOOTH wireless transceiver.

Advantageously, with various ways to connect with any type or style of aset of leads associated with any type or style of a medical monitoringdevice, connector device 2410 may operate as a universal connectordevice. As such, connector device 2410 may be operable with a variety oftypes of EKG machines and medical monitoring devices which utilizedifferent types of connectors for the set of leads.

Referring to FIG. 25 , a cable apparatus and connector device includedwithin a self-contained package in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure is shown. FIG. 26 depicts a cable apparatus andconnector device included within a self-contained package with the cableextended out of the package. Package 2510 may include a removable cover2520 which may be removed and allow access to cable 2530. Package 2510may further include a set of connectors 2540, for example, a set of maleplugs suitable for connecting with a set of female snap receptacles 2550from a set of leads connected to a medical monitoring device. Connectordevice 2560 may allow additional connection to a monitoring device.

Referring to FIGS. 27A and 27B depict a cable apparatus and connectordevice included within a self-contained package in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure. Package 2710 may include are-fastenable cover, such as a zipper, which may allow access to aconnector device 2720. Package 2710 may allow easier transport and moreorganized use of the cable apparatus of the present disclosure. It isfurther contemplated that package 2710 may include removable attachmentdevice configured to attach the package to the bed or gurney of apatient to provide better organization in an ambulance or emergency roomenvironment.

Referring to FIG. 28 , multiple connector devices suitable for operationwith a utilized cable in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent disclosure is shown. It is contemplated that in many emergencysituations, medical personnel associated with an ambulance service, suchas paramedics or EMTs, may have medical monitoring equipment and thusmay place a cable 2810 with a plurality of mating devices upon the torsoof a patient as previously described. A first connector device 2820 maybe coupled to cable 2810 to couple with a medical monitoring device,such as a portable device located within the ambulance. Upon arrival atan emergency room, cable 2810 may remain on the patient and cable 2810may be disconnected from first connector device 2820 and then connectedto a second connector device 2830. It is contemplated that secondconnector device 2830 may be coupled with a medical monitoring device,such as an EKG machine associated with the emergency room. Firstconnector device 2820 may be removed and may be returned to theambulance by the medical personnel associated with the ambulance whilethe cable 2810 is left with the patient. Cable 2810 may also connect tomonitor 2840 via a plurality of conventional set of leads 2850 via aconnector device 2860. Advantageously, medical personnel with theemergency room may quickly obtain patient information without arequirement of spending time applying each lead of a set of leads in theconventional setting as depicted in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 29 through 39 , a cable apparatus 2910 and aconnector device 2920 including one or mating devices 2930 is shown inaccordance with one or more additional alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure is shown. Referring to FIGS. 36A and 36B, an explodedview of the connector device 2920 is shown. FIG. 30 depicts the cableapparatus 2910 while FIGS. 33A-35E depict exploded views of the matingdevice 2930 associated with the cable apparatus 2910.

Referring to FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B, a connector device 2920 is shown.The connector device 2920 may be employed with various types of monitorsand EKG machines. The connector device includes at least threeconnectors 2940 configured to connect with 3 leads. However, theconnector device 2920 may include more than three connectors 2940, andmay include ten connectors 2940 to connect with 10 leads depending onthe make and model of the single capturing device whether or not it isreal time monitor, defibrillator monitor, or a 12 lead EKG machine. Itshould be understood that a 12 lead EKG is bit of a misnomer, rather a12 lead EKG does not have 12 leads but has 10 leads, the EKG machinewill monitor 12 parts of the heart capturing signals. A minimum of threeleads may be employed to capture a single cycle of cardiac rhythm. Inthis situation, the three leads may be connected to a Right arm, a Leftarm and a Left leg to be able to capture the cardiac cycle. For improveddiagnostic purposes, 10 leads may be employed with 4 leads to the limbsand 6 leads to the chest.

The connector device 2920 may include a first port 2925, the first port2925 configured to connect with a corresponding port 2915 that isconnected to one end of the cable apparatus 2910. The connector device2920 may include a second port 2928, the second port 2928 configured toconnect with another corresponding port of an additional connectordevice. It is contemplated that the another corresponding port may bethe first port 2925 of an additional connector device 2920 which allowsthe connector devices to be connected in series and allows multiplemachines to operate simultaneously with the cable apparatus 2910. Thisis described further in FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 .

Referring to FIGS. 31A and 31B, the placement of the mating devices 2930is selected in a manner that the mating devices 2930 may be used for avariety of people while allowing proper placement of the mating devicesfor each individual, e.g. individuals with varying heights and/or chestsizes. For example, the cable apparatus 2910 including the one or moremating devices may be adaptable for a chest size between 30 inches to 60inches and a torso size between 15 inches to 30 inches. For instance, asshown in FIG. 31A, the cable apparatus 2910 may be adaptable for a userwith a chest size of 60 inches and/or or a torso size of 30 inches suchthat the connecting cable between the one or more mating devices is notin a bent position. In another instance, as shown in FIG. 31B, the cableapparatus 2910 may be adaptable for a user with a chest size less than60 inches and/or a torso size of less than 30 inches such that theconnecting cable between the one or more mating devices is in at least asemi-bent position.

FIGS. 32 through 34E depict the one or more mating devices 2930 inaccordance with one or more additional embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The cable apparatus 2910 may include a plurality of matingdevices 2930. Each mating device 2930 may include a female receptacle2950 of a snap connector with a zero insertion force mechanism toenhance patient comfort when applying the mating devices. The zeroinsertion force mechanism allows a user to easily secure the apparatusto the patient without causing unnecessary pain during application orremoval, particularly during placement in a soft tissue area of thepatient. Female receptacle 2950 may be configured to connect with acorresponding male groove 2960 coupled with an electrode pad. It iscontemplated that a size of female receptacle 2950 may be similar as asize of female receptacles for an existing set of leads for anelectrocardiograph whereby it will be operable with existing male grooveportions of snap connector coupled to an electrode pad. The size of theaperture 2970 may be increased by depressing the tab 2980 on the matingdevice 2930 toward an interior of the mating device 2930 as shown inFIG. 33B. In such a fashion, there is not such a tension fit to connectthe mating device 2930 to the corresponding male groove 2960 of theelectrode pad.

Mating devices 2930 of the cable apparatus 2910 may further include analligator dip 3000 which also has a zero insertion force mechanism,suitable for coupling with an electrode pad. An alligator clip 3000,also known as a spring clip or crocodile clip, may refer to anelectrical connector. An alligator clip 3000 may include two jaws whichmay be mechanically forced together, when not separated by an opposingforce, causing an electrical connection with an object coupled betweenthe two jaws. Alligator clip 3000 may include binding clips, clamps andthe like. This is shown in an exemplary fashion in FIG. 35B.

FIG. 35A through 35E depicts an exploded view of the alligator clip3000. As shown in FIG. 35B, a user may press down on a lever 3010 of thealligator clip 3000 toward an interior of the mating device 2930 to openthe jaws of the alligator clip 3000. When in an open position, thealligator clip 3000 is configured to receive a portion of an electrodepad. When in a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 35C and 35D, thealligator clip 3000 is configured to grasp a portion of the electrodepad. The interior of the alligator clip 3000 may include teeth toprevent the one or more leads from slipping out of the alligator clip3000

The mating device 2930 including a snap and clip in the same matingdevice is unique and allows universal connection to various types ofelectrode pads. The combination of snap and clip combo mounted on singleline and of course the ability of this system (the cable apparatus 2910and the connector device 2920) to be able to connect in seriesconnecting all signal capture devices is highly advantageous, regardlessof the make or model of the EKG machine or monitoring machine. The lever3010 of the alligator clip 3000 is located in the same area as the tab2980 for the snap connector in order to allow medical personnel toquickly connect the mating device to any kind of electrode. Thealligator clip 3000 may be engaged by a lever 3010 at the top, rearportion of the mating device 2930 while the tab 2980 for the snapconnector is at the rear portion of the mating device 2930. As can beseen, the mating device 2980, whether connected via the snap oralligator clip, is allowed to lay flat on the patient. This isadvantageous as it may improve patient comfort while retaining a solidconnection to the corresponding electrode pad.

Referring once again to FIGS. 29 through 38D, the cable apparatus 2910and a connector device 2920 including one or more mating devices asshown provides a number of advantages that are not available inconventional sets of leads and other products. The cable apparatus 2910and connector device 2920 may stay on the patient throughout thehospitalization eliminating cross contamination and thus reducing spreadof infection, and yet may connect to a variety of machines, regardlessof the model or type of the machine.

The cable apparatus 2910 may be formed as a single cable; encasingmulti-channel conductors and capable of performing 3-5-10 leads cardiactracing, without unplugging from the patient. The cable apparatus 2910may be applied directly to patients, and then multiple devices mayquickly connect to the cable apparatus 2910 through the connector device2920. The cable apparatus 2910 and connector device 2920 may eliminateexpensive EKG machines and monitors and their bulky leadwires to come incontact with patients directly, as otherwise making them difficult to beadequately disinfected. The mating device 2930 includes a unique clipand snap combo design along a single multi-conductor cable will connectto both tab and pad electrodes. The zero insertion force design of thesnap section of the clip and snap combo design prevents unnecessary painto a patient during application.

The connector device 2920 includes connectors 2940 which are configuredto connect with all cardiac signal capturing devices/machines. Theconnector device 2920 may include a variety of connectors and may beconfigured to connect with the set of leads from any type of device,regardless of their make or model. The set of leads may includeconnectors such as snap, pinch clip, banana, plug 1 mm-4 mm, andalligator clips which can connect to connectors 2940 of the connectordevice 2920. The cable apparatus 2910 may be applicable to chest sizesfrom 30″-60″ and torso 15″-30″ considering human factors. The cableapparatus 2910 may include Bluetooth connecting capabilities between thepatient cable and the connector device 2920, Bluetooth connectingcapabilities to smart phones, pads, or tablets. Additionally, cableapparatus 2910 may include hardwire connecting capabilities to smartphones, pads, or tablets. The cable apparatus 2910 may be manufacturedin single-use materials or recyclable materials.

Referring to FIG. 39 , it is contemplated that a plurality of connectordevices 2920 may be connected in series, where one of the connectordevices 2920 is connected to a cable apparatus 2910 of the presentdisclosure. This may allow multiple types and varieties of machines tobe connected to the cable apparatus 2910 easily and quickly, in orderfor all of them to conduct tests or monitor a patient's condition,separately or simultaneously at the same time. The connector devices2920 and cable apparatus 2910 have been tested and researched such thatmultiple connector devices 2920 may be connected in series receiving acardiac signal from the cable will not cause any change, introduceerror, or create interference. Also, testing has shown that a 12 leadEKG with diagnostic interpretation capabilities has exact interpretationeven when multiple connector devices 2920 are connected in series withother connector devices. For example, testing showed that any rhythmthat is appearing on the real time monitor will show the exact rhythm,and a defibrillator monitor as well as the 12 lead EKG that hasdiagnostic interpretation capabilities.

Referring to FIG. 40 , an exemplary usage of connector devices 2920connected in series whereby one connector device 2920 is connected to acable apparatus 2910 while allowing a connection to multiple machines,including an EKG machine, defibrillator, or monitor is shown.Additionally, as shown in FIG. 40 , a wireless connection device, suchas a Bluetooth connection device, may be coupled to the cable and theconnector devices. This may provide for wireless monitoring and wirelessdata transmission which may be sent to a mobile device of a healthprovider.

In operation, a patient who has an emergency condition may be connectedwith a cable apparatus 2910 and a connector device 2920. When thepatient is transferred to an emergency room by the ambulance, the cableapparatus 2910 and connector device 2920 may remain on or with thepatient. As shown in FIG. 40 , an EKG machine or defibrillator may bequickly and easily connected to the cable apparatus 2910, regardless ofmodel or type of the machine, by connecting through connector device2920. As shown in FIG. 40 , organization may be improved through acarrying bag that stores the connector device 2920 and the existing setof leads from the associated device, such as the EKG machine,defibrillator, or monitor. Additionally, the EKG machine, defibrillator,and the monitor may be simultaneously connected to the cable apparatus2910 through the series connection of the connector devices 2920.

The cable apparatus 2910 and connector device 2920 may provide a numberof advantages to improve patient care, improve operating conditions forstaff, and reduce medical costs. These are listed below.

Improving Patient Quality of Care

-   -   Lead reversal is eliminated, thus eliminating misinterpretation        that may lead to misdiagnosis.    -   Consistency in lead placements by all staff.    -   Easily and quickly obtain serial 12 EKGs which are needed during        Acute MI's as well as during Code or even chest pain rule outs.    -   Lowering the risk of cross-contamination of equipment that are        difficult to clean thus reducing risk of spread of infection,        one cable per patient.    -   Zero insertion force, (ZIF) connectors, prevents damage to the        fragile skin and or pain upon application of the cable to the        patient.    -   Seldom you need to awaken, uncover, or expose the patient during        repeated acquisition of 12 lead EKG.        Staff Friendly    -   Simply Plug and Play    -   A simple device that does so much    -   Universal adapter design of the connector device interfaces with        all EKG signal capturing devices including all telemetries and        multi-channel Holter monitors regardless of their make or model    -   It is used by paramedics, hospital staff, and outpatient clinic        staff alike.    -   Converts all scattered 3 to 15 conventional EKG wires to one        single cable    -   Mistake proof one-line cable design    -   It is easily and quickly applied.    -   Lead reversal is eliminated.    -   Flexible and light weight yet tough design.    -   One-line cable design remains on the patient much more securely        than conventional cables where they continue to torque and fall        off the patient due to their inherent heavy and bulky nature.    -   Unique combination Snap and Clip design allows the staff to        utilize Tab and or Pad electrodes    -   Easier to clean and disinfect one cable rather than 35 cables or        even more depending on what other signal capturing devices we        are connecting together. For example: paramedic defibrillator        monitor, hospital real time monitor, hospital defibrillator        monitor, 12 lead EKG monitor.    -   No need to search and identify each lead before applying of up        to 15 heavy, bulky, and scattered leads of conventional lead        wires.    -   Repeated applications of bulky EKG wires by conventional lead        wires and methods are quite cumbersome and frustrating for the        staff.        Saving Money    -   Costly wound infections by spread through conventional leads.    -   Costly misinterpretation and misdiagnosis from lead reversal    -   Costly repeating EKGs due to lead reversal, calling patients to        come back in for repeat EKG    -   Costly wasting of tabs and add electrodes for serial EKG.    -   Costly wasting of tabs when they are pulled off the patient by        heavy and bulky wires thus will not stick again so staff will        use new tabs that may also follow the same fate.

It is believed that the apparatus of the present disclosure and many ofits attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description.It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may bemade in form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereofwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or withoutsacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein beforedescribed being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a cable, saidcable including a plurality of conductors enclosed within an exteriorcovering that covers a length of the cable; a plurality of matingdevices, said plurality of mating devices located along variouspositions along the length of said cable from a first end of said cableto a second end of said cable, each mating device coupled to onecorresponding conductor of said plurality of conductors of said cable,each mating device including a top side, a bottom side, a front side,and a rear side, each mating device of said plurality of mating devicesincludes a female receptacle of a snap connector located on the bottomside of each mating device configured to connect with a correspondingmale groove portion of the snap connector connected with a first type ofan electrode pad and an alligator clip configured for coupling with asecond type of electrode pad; and a connector device, said connectordevice coupled to one end of said cable, said connector deviceconfigured to couple with a set of leads from a device; wherein saidsnap connector includes a tab on the rear side of the mating device,said tab is configured to be depressed toward an interior of the matingdevice in order to increase a size of an aperture of the femalereceptacle of the snap connector located on the bottom side of themating device, wherein said alligator clip includes the alligator clipincludes two jaws located on the front side of the mating device and alever located on the top side of the mating device, said leverconfigured to be depressed toward an interior of the mating device inorder to open the two jaws of the alligator clip, wherein the tab of thesnap connector and the lever of the alligator clip are separate,distinct structures.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid exterior covering covers said plurality of conductors from saidfirst end of said cable to said second end of said cable.
 3. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connector device includesa first port, the first port configured to connect with a correspondingport that is connected to one end of the cable.
 4. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 3, wherein said connector device includes a secondport, the second port configured to connect with another correspondingport of an additional connector device.
 5. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein each mating device further includes a first side and asecond side.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the matingdevice is coupled to one corresponding conductor of said plurality ofconductors of said cable, the cable connects to the first side of themating device and the second side of the mating device.
 7. An apparatus,comprising: a cable, said cable including a plurality of conductorsenclosed within an exterior covering that covers a length of the cable;a plurality of mating devices, said plurality of mating devices locatedalong various positions of the length of said cable beginning inproximity with a first end of said cable throughout the length of thecable and to a second end of said cable, each mating device coupled toone corresponding conductor of said plurality of conductors of saidcable, each mating device including a top side, a bottom side, a frontside, and a rear side, each mating device of said plurality of matingdevices includes a female receptacle of a snap connector located on thebottom side of the mating device configured to connect with acorresponding male groove portion of the snap connector connected with afirst type of an electrode pad and an alligator clip configured forcoupling with a second type of electrode pad, the alligator clipincludes two jaws located on the front side of the mating device whichare mechanically forced together when not separated by an opposing forceto allow placement of the second type of electrode pad between the twojaws and cause an electrical connection without the opposing force; anda connector device, said connector device coupled to one end of saidcable, said connector device configured to couple with a set of leadsfrom a device; wherein said snap connector includes a tab on the rearside of the mating device, said tab is configured to be depressed towardan interior of the mating device in order to increase a size of anaperture of the female receptacle of the snap connector located on thebottom side of the mating device, wherein said alligator clip includes alever located on the top side of the mating device, said leverconfigured to be depressed toward an interior of the mating device inorder to open the two jaws of the alligator clip, wherein the tab of thesnap connector and the lever of the alligator clip are separate,distinct structures.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, whereinsaid exterior covering covers said plurality of conductors from saidfirst end of said cable to said second end of said cable.
 9. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said connector device includesa first port, the first port configured to connect with a correspondingport that is connected to one end of the cable.
 10. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 9, wherein said connector device includes a secondport, the second port configured to connect with another correspondingport of an additional connector device.
 11. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the connector device includes at least ten connectorsconfigured to couple with the set of leads from the device.
 12. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least ten connectorsare male plugs configured to be coupled with a set of female snapreceptacles associated with the set of leads from the device.
 13. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein each mating device furtherincludes a first side and a second side.
 14. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 13, wherein each mating device is coupled to one correspondingconductor of said plurality of conductors of said cable, the cableconnects to the first side of the mating device and the second side ofthe mating device.